Gregoriy Malinko Soviet wrestler of classical and freestyle styles, sambo wrestler, boxer Date of Birth: 01.01.1992 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Education
2. Professional Wrestling and Military Service
3. Heroism in World War II
4. Dnieper River Crossing and Captivity
5. Recovery and Return to Wrestling
6. Education and Later Life

Early Life and Education

Grigory Vasilyevich Malinko was born in 1920 in Kharkiv, Soviet Ukraine. Growing up on the city's outskirts, he joined a trade school (FZU) at the age of 16. There, he discovered his passion for sports and began training in freestyle wrestling under the guidance of renowned coach Stanislav Martsinyuk.

Professional Wrestling and Military Service

Malinko honed his skills in freestyle wrestling, becoming a professional wrestler at the Kharkiv Circus. He gained fame for his victories in classical wrestling against formidable opponents such as Ivan Plyasulya and Ivan Kuksenko. In 1939, he captured the Ukrainian championship titles in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Six months before the outbreak of World War II, Malinko was conscripted into the army. Despite his massive physique, weighing 132 kg (291 lbs), he sought additional physical training. He was given permission to use a 700 kg pre-revolutionary cannon carriage as a workout tool, eventually rolling a 1.5-ton cannon across the barracks.

Heroism in World War II

During the German invasion, Malinko served in the artillery. On September 26, 1941, he remained at his post with the only surviving cannon, engaging the enemy and preventing them from entering a village. He rolled the cannon while firing, depleting its ammunition before dragging it 18 km back to safety. For this heroic act, he was promoted to lieutenant and placed in command of a platoon.

Throughout the war, Malinko continued to fight, receiving severe wounds and commanding a battery. He was decorated with the Order of the Red Banner for his valor during the Battle of Stalingrad.

Dnieper River Crossing and Captivity

In October 1943, Malinko's battalion faced heavy fire while crossing the Dnieper River. Only seven soldiers and two cannons remained, but they engaged 25 German tanks and infantry. Malinko personally destroyed two tanks, and despite overwhelming odds, his unit held its ground, leading a successful counterattack. For his bravery, he was nominated for the Hero of the Soviet Union title, which was later replaced with the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class.

Later, while defending a strategically important bridgehead near Kaniv, Malinko was gravely wounded. He was mistakenly buried alive, but a soldier noticed movement in the shallow grave and rescued him.

Recovery and Return to Wrestling

After spending a month in a hospital, Malinko gradually recovered, losing 80 kg in weight and facing difficulties in walking. He refused disability benefits, setting up a training facility in his barn. Despite his injuries, he became involved in winter swimming and regained his fitness.

In 1945, Malinko resumed wrestling, training with renowned coach I.I. Kharchenko. He won the Kharkiv heavyweight title and participated in the USSR championships, earning a bronze medal in Greco-Roman wrestling and silver in freestyle.

Education and Later Life

Malinko graduated from the Higher School of Coaches at Kharkiv Institute of Physical Culture. He worked as a physical education instructor at the Kharkiv Law Institute. He also pursued his childhood passion for bird breeding, developing a new breed of pigeons that brought him national recognition.

Gregory Vasilyevich Malinko passed away in 1996, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy as a champion wrestler, decorated war veteran, and pioneer in the sport of winter swimming.